Connecticut high school students destroyed a tampon dispenser 20 minutes after installation in a boy’s bathroom. Brookfield High School placed the box in the restroom on January 24, 2024, in anticipation of a state law requiring boys’ bathrooms to carry menstrual products.
The principal at the high school says this isn’t the first time there’s been vandalism in the bathroom. The students have broken stall doors, soap dispensers, and other items stuffed in the toilet. However, he said the recent destruction is the most egregious example.
Principal Marc Balanda added that he would reinstall the tampon dispenser later in keeping with state law. He also encouraged any student with issues regarding the dispenser to “ask for more information.”
“Use your words to start a dialogue rather than using your hands to destroy something,” Balanda said. “In this particular instance, if you have questions, please let me know.” The installation of the tampon dispenser follows a response to a state law mandating menstrual products to be provided in all restrooms.
This includes women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms, and at least one men’s restroom for students from grades three to twelve. However, this has led to mixed reactions in Brookfield and surrounding towns.
ALSO READ: These Are Some of the Most Popular Disney Princess Outfits
“There never is any excuse for vandalism. But I am a firm believer tampons do not belong in the boy’s bathroom,” One of the townspeople said. Similarly, Republican State Senator Rob Sampson criticized the new development during a legislative floor debate on the bill.
“Rather than debate this policy. I’ll just say I don’t approve of it,” he said. “I don’t believe it’s a good policy. The constituents in my district have expressed their dismay over it.” Conversely, another person from the town supported the bill.
“I think people who have a certain gender, who identify with a certain gender, should be able to use the bathroom they identify with,” the person said. “And if they need these products, they should have them.”
In response to the vandalism, a Connecticut State Department of Education spokesperson suggested a round table talk with the school community. “Having open dialogue in the school community can help everyone understand the law,” the spokesperson said.
ALSO READ: Does AI Contribute to the World’s Stereotypes and Bias?
“This would also help to ensure a school environment where everyone is respected, and all students are supported.” On the other hand, some argue it’s another example of injecting controversial ideology into education.
“This quickly became a big issue in my district. It was all over social media, and people were commenting and raising concerns,” added State Senator Sampson. Brookfield Schools Superintendent John Barile stated that he “addressed” the situation with the student involved.
He did not disclose any details regarding disciplinary action but confirmed that the police had no involvement. “This is an issue of vandalism/destruction of property,” he said. “Law enforcement is typically not involved in these situations unless the act rises to a much higher level of property destruction.”
Barile continued, “The school is seeking restitution.” He said Brookfield High School is approaching the matter from a restorative perspective. He further stated that they are providing both education on the issue and working to remediate with students.
You Might Also Like:
“I Felt Very Unsafe,” Student Says After Video of Indiana Lawmaker Flashing His Gun Goes Public
Netflix 2024 Slate Teaser Shares First Look at “Squid Game 2,” “Bridgerton” S3
Trump Associates Kick Against Court Monitor’s Potential Tax Fraud Findings
Elisabeth Moss Announces She’s Expecting Her First Baby on Live TV
Movie Star Adam Sandler To Receive Icon Honor at the 2024 People’s Choice Award
